May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. In addition to our usual chit chat, today I am going to provide information on sun exposure and how to protect yourself.
According to The Skin Cancer Foundation:
While melanoma is uncommon in African-Americans, Latinos, and Asians, it is most deadly for these populations because it is more likely to go undetected.
If the threat of potentially deadly cancer isn’t enough to keep you away from the sun, consider this: SUN EXPOSURE IS THE NUMBER ONE CAUSE OF WRINKLES!!!! That’s right: the primary cause of premature aging is exposure to the sun. The sun’s rays damage your skin causing discoloration and wrinkles. Give in to your sense of vanity and limit your exposure. Wear SPF and sunglasses everyday.
Sorry for getting all motherly/ preachy on you (well I guess it is Mother’s Day). Now that my lecture’s out of the way, here’s some info I found on the web to answer your questions about sunscreen (PS: Be on the lookout for a future post on my top 5 beauty MUST DO’s….hint: sunscreen is at the top of the list)
Am I still at risk even if I have dark skin?
Yes. Although people with light skin are at the highest risk for skin cancer, people with darker skin are also at risk. Plus, people with darker skin are also affected by the aging effects of the sun, as are lighter-skinned people. Everyone is at risk for eye damage from too much UV exposure, including snow blindness, cataracts, and retinal damage.
How do I choose a sunscreen?
Look for a product with a minimum SPF of 15 to protect against the sun’s ultraviolet B (UVB), or burning, rays. The product should also contain ingredients that protect against ultraviolet A (UVA) rays which penetrate more deeply into the skin and are responsible for premature aging and contribute to the development of skin cancer. Sunscreens that are labelled “broad- spectrum” help protect against both.What is an SPF? All sunscreens are labelled with a sun protection factor (SPF) number. This relates to the amount of time it takes for your skin to burn without any protection and how long it would take if you used the appropriate amount of sunscreen. An SPF 15 product filters out more than 93% of the UVB in sunlight allowing about 7% penetration. An SPF 30 filters out 97% and allows 3% penetration. So an SPF of 30 is not twice as effective as a 15, but rather it blocks out about twice as much of the penetration. Stated differently it allows only half the UV penetration.
When should I put on sunscreen?
You should apply sunscreen generously and evenly about 30 minutes before sun exposure to allow the active ingredients to bond to your skin. A second application 20 minutes later will maximize the protection from your sunscreen. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating a lot.
How do I protect my lips?
Use a minimum SPF 15 lip balm. There are a variety to choose from. Don’t forget to reapply every hour.
When do I need to protect myself from the sun?
You should be protected from 10 am to 4 pm from late spring to early fall and during winter if you are involved in outdoor activities. The sun’s rays are strongest around midday, so try to avoid exposure around that time. The sun is harsher the closer you are located to the equator and at higher altitudes where the thinner atmosphere blocks fewer of the sun’s rays. The damaging effects of direct exposure to the sun can be increased if there is reflection from snow, water and light colored sand. Snow reflects up to 80 per cent of the sun’s rays – so you could be getting a double dose of radiation when involved in winter sports.
So slather on the SPF30 and embrace your inner Jackie O — I have…
SPF’d,
Felicia
